Physicochemical characterization of the shallow mixing zone of two estuaries, Lesvos Island, NE Aegean, Greece

Abstract

1. We assessed the physicochemical status of the mixing zone along two shallow estuaries within a Natura 2000 site, NE Greece, in order to establish a baseline and evaluate their trophic state.
2. Distribution patterns of dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a of water and of chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, and percent organic matter of sediment along the mixing zone of the studied estuaries during spring 2005 indicated oligotrophic conditions in autotrophic estuaries.
3. In both estuarine systems, chlorophyll a concentration of water did not correlate with chlorophyll a of sediment indicating that different processes may control primary production in waters and sediments. Nevertheless, primary production in water was linked to phosphorus pool in sediment.